Guest view: City ambulance service should be maintained

Like many things, Utica’s ambulance service is not perfect. And I have no objection to some tweaking.

LORRIE ARCURI

Like many things, Utica’s ambulance service is not perfect. And I have no objection to some tweaking.

But as a whole, I support this service 100 percent and I am confused why some do not. Councilman Frank Vescera has long advocated the elimination of the ambulance service and his legislation that would set uniformed fees and call for alternating calls between Utica and Kunkel is just another way of attacking it.

Mayors, comptrollers and others from both sides of the political aisle all agree with our Fire Department that this service generates significant income for our city. First, our paramedics are first responders to calls whether a city ambulance transfers the patient or not. The only difference is that we get paid for those we do transport.

And while the income is important, as a registered nurse my first concern is always the quality of care. By having the same health care professionals stay with the patient from initial treatment at the scene to arrival at the hospital, we provide a better continuity of care.

This system now allows for choice. If you want Kunkel, all you have to do is ask for Kunkel. Vescera’s legislation, in addition to costing the city significant needed revenue, would deny you choice by alternating calls between the city and Kunkel. I believe that people should be able to choose who they want as health care providers.

Our ambulance service billing is done by a third-party administrator, and while there may be some disparity in charges, the insurance providers must think them reasonable or they would not pay. The truth is that 40 percent of our patients are at rates set by Medicaid or Medicare and 50 percent are at rates set by their HMO with a patient co-payment. That means that only 10 percent of patients billed are even subjected to any disparity.

If this helps allow city residents from not having to go into their own pocket, so be it. In economic times like these, helping those out who may be struggling is not such a bad idea. While we want our ambulances to make money, we still are government. We do not deny services because of someone’s inability to pay. Not everyone is fortunate to have health insurance.

I’m not sure who this legislation would benefit. But, by denying choice and causing residents to pay out of pocket even if they cannot afford to, it certainly does not benefit the residents of Utica.

As members of Utica’s Common Council, our primary concern should be with residents of this city. That is why I support our ambulance service and oppose this legislation.

Lorrie Arcuri, D-at large, is majority leader on the Utica Common Council.

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